Waterloo and EDAC celebrate 50 years of partnership
May 31, 2022 - The partnership creates learning opportunities and delivers training in every province and territory with programs tailored to local needs - By Jude Okonkwo Faculty of Environment - The University of Waterloo and the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) are hosting their 50th anniversary banquet on June 2, 2022, to celebrate their partnership and accomplishments. Since the launch of the partnership at Waterloo in 1972, it has provided learning opportunities for over 12,000 economic development professionals from over 500 communities across Canada. With the increasing demand from professionals and the need to address the economic and sustainability challenges that Canadian communities are facing, the Economic Development Program (EDP) that was borne from the partnership has continued to expand and grow the range of topics being offered and has improved access to training for the growing audience. "Both EDAC and Waterloo agree that we must ensure the program, first and foremost, is relevant, accessible to all, and provides a deep understanding of economic development processes with a uniquely Canadian focus," said Penny Gardiner, chief executive officer, EDAC. EDAC through the EDP partnership has been delivering on its mission to be the national source of professional standards, economic development knowledge and most effective method of exchanging ideas. "For the past 50 years, the University of Waterloo has educated economic development professionals on the concepts and practices they need to successfully build their local economies," said Aileen Murray, former president of EDAC.
